Pack of thieves target at least 2 stores

Wednesday

OPD officials believe the same people may also be responsible for thefts from Ulta Beauty a few weeks ago.

Thousands of dollars worth of clothing, make-up and perfume were stolen from two Ocala stores Tuesday night.

A pack of thieves raided Victoria's Secret in the Paddock Mall and Dillard's at Market Street at Heath Brook.

Ocala Police Department officials believe the same people may also be responsible for thefts from Ulta Beauty, 4414 SW College Road, a few weeks ago.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, an officer was called to the Paddock Mall, at 3100 SW College Road, in response to a theft. A witness told Officer Mark Crandall that 10 to 12 people — male and female suspects — were running with their arms full of clothing and some of the items falling to the ground, according to an incident report.

Thinking the clothing might have been stolen, the man said he tried snapping some photos. Another person also took pictures of the suspects and the getaway vehicles.

Those photos were not immediately available.

Inside the mall, a manager at Victoria’s Secret told Crandall about $6,000 worth of clothing was stolen, according to the report. The manager said she had to do an inventory to see exactly what was taken. She told the officer she believed the thieves were similar to ones who removed clothing during a previous theft.

One of the employees said that a woman from the group had entered the store and picked up multiple items. The employee asked the woman if she needed assistance, but woman ran out of the store.

While officers were investigating the Victoria's Secret thefts, they learned of a similar theft from the Dillard's at 4414 SW College Road. A group had stolen perfumes and make-up valued at $3,000.